Middlesbrough's dressing room was delighted for Stewart Downing after his impressive England performance this week.

Left-back Andrew Taylor said: "He's had a lot of stick, it's been unjust. Because he plays for a small club like Boro, his displays are highlighted more.

"He tries to show it is not affecting him but if you look at what happened after Andorra, his confidence was gone and it has taken him time to get back up.

"I am so pleased he put in a good performance and it was not against Trinidad but Germany, one of the best teams in the world.

"He has shown everyone what he can actually do. A confident Stewart Downing is the best left winger in England."